The commentator said that Gassiev is 6 feet 3 inches tall. I don't buy that. More like 6 feet 1 inch. Dorticos was said to be 6' 3" also but he was noticeably taller than Gassiev. Maybe all that's a moot point, it's not like Gassiev was at a disadvantage. Having good range and timing is better than having a long reach. So is he legitimately 6 feet 3? Gassiev's power seems to be drawing the most attention but I was more impressed by his ability to successfully execute fundamental boxing skills against an experienced opponent who was brought up in the Cuban system. Gassiev was able to thwart Dorticos' formidable offense by blocking, parrying and catching his punches or using his footwork to glide away. Dorticos' experience and training didn't give him the answer how to successfully penetrate Iron's defense. We don't usually see defensive skills like Gassiev used because blocking, parrying and catching usually plays into an experienced opponent's advantage. It's more typical to see slipping, ducking or the half step backwards for defense. Gassiev was able to bring basic skills up to an advanced level mainly because of thorough training. It was a really good defensive performance which is an overlooked art.
His defense was very good, and it surprises me that more folks here haven't commented on it. He looked about an inch shorter than Usyk when they were face to face, and Usyk is said to be 6'4".
I think their heights are much closer than that, look at the face-off photos, and if Dorticos is actually taller there it's not by more than an inch. There's also the fact that Gassiev tucks his chin in while Dorticos fights tall, also in the photos Dorticos straightens himself up to his full height while Gassiev assumes a more relaxed position. There could also be a difference in shoe heel height.
He looked a lot more polished than he did against DL. He really negated Dorito with that guard..blocking and parrying very well. And showed a bit of nitfty head movement aswell. He is such a beast physically...Usyk is in for a real fight.
Dorticos did look fractionally taller in the face off, but he has a smaller head and higher shoulders, so that may have contributed to the illusion that he was a lot taller. The difference between the tops of their heads was marginal at best, and could be accounted for in numerous different ways.
